Research title: Robotic Process Automation in Research Ethics Administration: Preserving Human Moral Agency while Optimizing Workflow Efficiency

Researcher: Albè van Niekerk, MEng (Engineering Management) student, Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University — albe@sun.ac.za
Supervisor: Professor Calie Pistorius, Stellenbosch University — caliepistorius@sun.ac.za
Ethics clearance: Stellenbosch University, project ID ING-2026-36075 (approval letter attached)
Gatekeeper permission: Granted by the UKZN Registrar, 10 June 2026 (letter attached)

Who is invited? UKZN staff members involved in research ethics administration — for example, research ethics committee administrators, coordinators, and research office staff who support ethics application, review, and approval processes.

What does participation involve? A single semi-structured interview of approximately 45–60 minutes, conducted online via Microsoft Teams at a time convenient to you. The interview explores how research ethics administration workflows currently operate and perspectives on the potential role of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in these processes.

Voluntary and confidential: Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without consequence. All responses will be treated confidentially and reported anonymously. Informed consent (form attached) will be obtained from each participant before the interview.

How to participate: If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Albè van Niekerk at albe@sun.ac.za.